Eating Out: Metropolitan

Feb 10 2011 By Peter Carroll

Metropolitan

60 Candleriggs, Merchant City, Tel: 553 1488, Web: www.metropolitan-bar.com

THERE was only one place in town I wanted to celebrate my birthday this year - Merchant City's Metropolitan bar and restaurant.

I love this place. Not only does it serve fantastic food in stunning surroundings, it's also perfect for plenty of post-dinner drinks.

Metropolitan has always been a stylish venue. And thanks to its £200,000 makeover at the tail end of last year, it's even easier on the eye.

We were ushered through the main cocktail bar upstairs to a table in the balcony area beside the piano lounge - a great place to peoplewatch as you enjoy your meal. After we both chose a large glass of the house red (£5.25), our helpful waitress guided us through the varied menu.

For starters, I decided to tackle the trio of haggis - which consisted of a tempura spring roll, a tower and tortellini served with mini fondant, turnip spaghetti, curly kale and a delicious Glenmorangie sauce (£7.50).

My guest decided to try the intriguing goat's cheese gratin with beetroot, poached pear and walnut vinaigrette (£5.95).

My haggis trio was outstanding, particularly the tempura. Metropolitan have found new ways to serve our national dish, and the fondant and sauce added an extra twist to an excellent starter.

On tasting the gratin for myself, I came to the conclusion we both made great choices. Goat's cheese and beetroot might seem like a strange mix but it worked perfectly.

We were excited about things to come and, being true carnivores, we both decided on a steak. I opted for a medium 8oz sirloin (£18.95), while my partner ordered the 8oz fillet (£25.95) rare to medium.

The two prime cuts of Scottish beef were served with grilled field mushroom, baked plum tomato and Maris Piper chips. We also shared a peppercorn sauce (£1.45).

We were grateful for a breather between our plentiful starters and the mains, and thankful that our meal wasn't being rushed.

My partner and I order steak every time we visit the Met - and yet again we weren't disappointed.

Bothcutswere cookedto perfection.

I normally opt for medium/well, but decided to try a "proper" steak, as my wife puts it. I'm glad I did. This is how I'll have my steak from now on. The chunky chips and sauce only added to this, my desert island meal.

We shared a trio of chocolate, Baileys and vanilla ice-creams (£4.25) before enjoying a few more drinks in the piano lounge.

A perfect birthday treat. Go Met!